The kids are alright out on England duty

Karl Robinson has reminded his young stars to keep their feet on the ground, despite being called up to England squads this week.

Dele Alli, Danny Collinge and Patrick Bamford all received the international call this week to represent England.

Lee Hodson and Samir Carruthers too were out representing their counties - Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland U21s respectively.

“I told them all to remember the standards they’re expected to live up to,” said Robinson.

“Even though they’ll be playing with players from big, big clubs, I told them not to forget what they’ve learned.

“Whether that be helping the coaches out, speaking to people, conducting themselves in the dinner hall, speaking to people who work in the hotel, or at the training ground - it’s the whole package.

“It’s nice that they can go away with England and I can trust them.”

Patrick Bamford’s call-up to the U21 squad came just days after Gareth Southgate’s side played in front of nearly 20,000 fans at stadium:mk.

Despite scoring twice, Saido Berahino picked up a booking in the 3-0 win over Finland and will serve a ban, opening the door for Bamford to get a late call for the game against San Marino on Tuesday night.

And Robinson said it was what Bamford deserved for his performances this season.

“I’m so happy for the boy,” he said. “He deserves the accolades.

“He has aided himself by wanting to be better. This is the icing on the cake for him.

“He said when he first came here he wanted to get into the U21 squad, and I didn’t expect him to while he was playing here.

“But it’s proof that if you do right, regardless of the level you play at. And Gareth Southgate has seen him as one for the future has called him up.

“I’m made up for him. I’ve told him to be ruthless and to look forward to it.

“International football the pinnacle for so many players. It’ll be something he will remember for the rest of his life.

“He will never let an opportunity pass him by. He has tremendous talent and we are so proud of him. It’s a good start.”

Such is the stock of Dele Alli this season, the 17-year-old was called up to England’s U18 squad despite not playing since the end of September after a foot injury.

His spell with the U18s could be ideal in his return to full fitness ahead of a busy few weeks for Dons.

And Robinson praised the midfielder for his attitude during his time on the sidelines, and said he has shown all the aspects of becoming a multi-million pound player.

He said: “The results have shown how much we’ve missed him.

“He’s a constant challenge for me. He’s going through an interesting period because I’m being a bit more ruthless with him.

“The discipline needs to come into his game, because he needs to commit his life to this job. He’s still only 17. He has to push boundaries every day of his life.

“I think the injury has helped him. He didn’t get too frustrated by it, he didn’t miss a minute in the treatment room, and looking at him now, he’s much bigger and stronger.

“I told him at the time, it could be the making of him.

“He is an elite young player and we have to enjoy that he’s playing here. He knows I want him here this year and next year. I want to build a team around the likes of him and Brendan Galloway.

“We hope we can keep the young players at the club, but it will take an awful lot of money to entice him away.”